Harris and Biden comment on the death of Hamas leader, killed by the Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza

According to the Israeli police, DNA tests and dental records confirm the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during an Israeli operation in Gaza on October 17.

The announcement was commented on by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

NEW: Israeli officials said Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israel Defense Forces in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. https://t.co/xOZgZAcH5g

— Axios (@axios) October 17, 2024

Yahya Sinwar was reportedly killed in a attack after an Israeli tank fired on a house in the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to an Israel Defense Forces radio station, the army spotted “suspicious movement” on the second floor of a building, and a drone sent after the assault vehicle was fired reportedly detected Sinwar’s body.

Following the announcement, Joe Biden, who is visiting Germany, said:

“This is a good day for Israel, for the United States and for the world.”

The President also indicated that he would soon meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu to congratulate him, discuss ways to return the hostages to their families and bring an end to this war, which has caused so much destruction to innocent people.

Kamala Harris said, “It’s time for tomorrow to begin” and pointed out that the death of Sinwar, considered by Israel to be the main architect of the deadly terrorist attack on October 7, 2023 that triggered the war in Gaza, represents an opportunity “to finally end the war in Gaza”.

She stressed the need to guarantee Israel’s security, the release of hostages, an end to suffering in Gaza, and that the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination.

Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the assassination of the Hamas leader by saying that “evil has suffered a heavy blow”, but he still seems far from the position of peace that many, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, want to see as soon as possible.

Netanyahu also added that despite Sinwar’s death, “the task ahead of us is not yet complete.”